In Brooklyn, amid drug deals, violence, casual racism, poverty, housing projects, and corrupt cops, we follow three officers: Tango, African-American, working undercover, believing he's earned a promotion to a desk job but told he has to set up the bust of an ex-con who saved his life; Sal, who'll commit murder to get cash to buy a house big enough for his family; and, Eddie, the precinct's oldest beat cop, a week to go before retirement, assigned to mentor an earnest rookie. Can this end well for any of the three? This is a strong movie with powerful performances by the entire cast, especially that of Ethan Hawke whose portrayal of a corrupt police officer carries this movie and warrants special recognition. Richard Gere's performance in some ways is reminiscent of Paul Newman's performance in Fort Apache, the Bronx, that is, of an older jaded police officer who has lost all hope yet perseveres. The movie relies on perpetuating all kinds of stereotypes to move the story along and suggests a level of corruption and violence that if plausible would render our society inoperable. Yet the story works, mainly due to the great acting and the fast paced action which manages to keep the audience's attention. One is kept wondering how the various subplots will work themselves out and who will survive the maelstrom that engulfs all concerned. Don Cheadle also gives a credible performance as an undercover police officer and Wesley Snipes gives a surprisingly measured and multifaceted performance as a street gangster. All in all, a powerful movie.

Starring:

Armando Riesco, Brían F O'Byrne, Brevard Hudson, Bruce MacVittie, Don Cheadle, Ellen Barkin, Ethan Hawke, Hassan Johnson, Isiah Whitlock Jr, Joseph Adams, Lela Rochon, Leonid Citer, Lili Taylor, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Jeremiah, Michael K Williams, Michael Pemberton, Nicoye Banks, Paul Diomede, Richard Gere, Robert John Burke, Rodney 'Bear' J

Genre:

Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller